MLB American League 2012 Quarter Pole Records
Having reached the quarter pole of the 2012 Major League Baseball season, today we take a look at the current records in the American League. For the most part, baseball handicappers won’t recognize the division leaders unless they have a program. Many of the preseason favorites have fallen flat, while several unlikely contenders have been pleasant surprises at the wagering windows. There’s a lot of thrilling MLB diamond action still to come!
Tightest Race In Baseball: American League East
Separated top to bottom by just 4.5 games, the AL East race has all five teams battling for the top spot. After spending the past 14 years as cellar dwellers the Baltimore Orioles (28-17) are back in contention with the best record in the American League. The O’s have a slim one game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays who own a 27-18 record. Toronto (24-12) New York (23-12) and Boston (22-22) round out the standings. Holding the lead will be a tall order for the Orioles.
All five teams in the AL East all hold a .500 or better record – the only division in the Majors that can boast that record. The Blue Jays have been a smoke and mirrors team and need to add some pitching to stay in the race. New York has struggled to fill the void after losing all world closer Mariano Rivera. That said, backed by solid hitting, the Bronx Bombers are still the team to beat. Though hot lately (7-3), we expect the Red Sox to remain around the .500 mark.
Defending American League Champions Lead The West
A quick look at the American League West standings shows a perennial favorite in first and some preseason chalk in last. The defending AL Champion Rangers bolted out of the gates as Texas had a 17-6 record at the end of April. Since then, the Champs have struggled some as they have gone 10-12 in May and they hold a 27-18 record. New Flash: Texas is still rich!
One of the most shockingly bad teams in the AL has to be the 20-25 Los Angeles Angels. Despite adding several key cogs in the off-season, including Albert Pujols, the Angles are currently eight games back in the West Division. Without stud starting pitcher Jarred Weaver (6-1) things would be a lot worse in La La Land. When Weaver starts – bettors should load up!
Three Horse Race Shaping Up In The American League Central
It’s been a very mediocre first quarter for the preseason runaway AL Central favorite Detroit Tigers. At 20-24 the Motown Cats sit in third place and are now six games back of division leading Cleveland. The surprisingly good Indians have compiled a 26-18 record and they are the hottest team in baseball with an 8-2 record over their last ten games.
That recent run has allowed Cleveland to take a four game lead over the Chicago White Sox who sit at .500 with a 22-22 record. We wouldn’t punch any AL Central playoff tickets just yet though. We fully expect the Tigers to eventually catch the White Sox – and then the Indians. It’s a race that will be closer than it should be but it will be exciting to watch!
